Mariano Lalica
Executive Chef, Diamond Head Grill

Chef Mariano Lalica has firmly grasped the helm of Diamond Head Grill. To Chef Lalica, "Passion for food is the most important quality of a successful chef" and at Diamond Head Grill, diners will definitely delight in the creations of Chef Lalica's passion where he presents his own unique style of French and Italian cuisine with a touch of island flair.

One of Hawaii's rising chef stars, Chef Lalica comes to Diamond Head Grill with more than 20 years of culinary experience. Progressing from several Bay Area eateries, including Orchid's Restaurant, Veronique's Restaurant and the Ritz-Cafe, Chef Lalica returned to Hawaii to become Executive Chef at Nick's Fishmarket where he enjoyed great success in Honolulu. He subsequently went on to serve as Executive Chef of Acqua Restaurant, Don Ho's, Meritage, and The Plaza Club.

Over the years, Chef Lalica has won the hearts (and taste buds) of Honolulu residents, taking top honors in the Hale 'Aina Awards for Best Seafood Restaurant and in the Hawaii Seafood Festival for Best Entree. In addition, he won Best Seafood and Best Dessert at the Taste of Honolulu festival for three consecutive years.

Now at the Diamond Head Grill, Chef Lalica creates a venue where dining is truly an "Experience" a warm, inviting place to savor wonderful foods and wines in the company of good friends and where one can share laughter with loving family. He has designed a menu that melds the best of traditional classical cuisine with the fresh bounty, flavors and spices of Hawaii. His signature dishes include Braised Veal Shank Cassoulet, Pistachio Nut Crusted Rack of Lamb, Sauteed Rock Shrimp Risotto, Lobster Fricasee and Chocolate Macadamia Moussecake.

Chef Lalica is an honor graduate of our local Farrington High School on the island of Oahu as well as the Hotel and Restaurant Operations at City College of San Francisco in California.